Steve Zimmerman

Yup—your boat has them, and they’re constantly feeding, sometimes to the point that you can step aboard and find your batteries drained.

Understanding power distribution can help you make smarter choices when adding equipment.

Whether hauling out annually or less often, follow this haul-out game plan to get the most from your time "on the hard."

The problem was easy to see. Figuring out the solution was another matter.

A combination inverter/charger can be great on board, but when it fails, you need options.

Tracking down the source of onboard vibration requires a methodical approach.

Conducting your own personal test run can diagnose all kinds of problems before the big day.

Our experts have spoken. Here are the top "canned goods" you should be stocking on board.

Expert troubleshooter Steve Zimmerman's top seven technical tips for boat shoppers.

Using the correct fasteners for different applications can prevent onboard problems.

Alloys can be made of many materials. On boats, they’re not interchangeable.

Moisture is the enemy. Here’s how to keep it out—and what to do if it gets in.

How to extend the life of your teak decks—and what to do when they fail.

Boat buyers often take strong positions on galley stoves, insisting that they would never expose themselves to the risks of an explosion posed by propane.

An Inexpensive Piece of Gear Can Diagnose an Engine’s Illness; Both cheap and easy to use, a handheld pyrometer could be one of the most useful tools in your collection.

In my many decades of working on boats, it is quite possible that the most reliable tool i have ever carried is not actually a tool at all; its my little black book.

Like the proverbial tail wagging the dog, a $50 solenoid can stop a $3,000 windlass from raising the anchor or prevent the engine from starting. Knowing how these simple devices work may save your cruise.